The government has confirmed that the Jobsearch scheme will be extended. The scheme has been a valuable source of help for many executive job seekers over the past 15 months. The scheme has been given the go ahead to operate till March 2011.

In November 2008 the Recruitment and Employment Confederation signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with Jobcentre Plus to formalise a relationship between Jobcentre Plus and the private recruitment industry. Jobsearch was the result of this and has been instrumental at getting many professionals and executives back into work. Although the government have cut many other schemes and initiatives such as Future Jobs Fund, it has agreed to extend the Jobsearch scheme.

The REC views this extension as a reflection of the scheme’s success, with information and support provided by members to professionals who are seeking employment. Many of the job seekers had been made redundant thanks to cutbacks in the private sector. As the public sector is suffering huge cuts, with many job losses expected, the support offered by Jobsearch will be invaluable to professionals and executives looking to return to work.

Director of External Relations for REC, Tom Hadley said:

“Though the scheme will be operated at a reduced rate to reflect the current economic circumstances, it is extremely positive news for us that Ministers have recognised the value of Jobsearch and the valuable contribution that private recruitment professionals play in the overall employment landscape.”

The REC intends to continue to build relations and links with Ministers and the Department for Work and pensions, forging a partnership to get people back into work.

It is thought that freelancers, including umbrella company contractors, will play an instrumental role in rebuilding the private sector in preparation for the cuts and resulting job losses from the public sector. An umbrella company will help contractors to source work as well as take care of administration.